Desford were sunk by a solitary goal mid-way through the first half of this Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division clash – but in naming his goalkeeper Oscar Webb as Man-of-The-Match, Assistant Manager Glenn Rajczyk, said it could so easily have been seven or eight, writes Stewart Bint.

“The team’s poor fitness levels let us down again. Whenever Melton got the ball they ran with it; we couldn’t. And we couldn’t keep up with the play.”

The bulk of the whole 90 minute action stayed deep in Desford’s half, as Melton piled on the pressure. Webb had the first indication that he was in for a busy afternoon in the fourth minute – his diving save keeping Adam Bishop at bay.

Desford’s ball-watching gave Melton too much time and space at every turn, including gift-wrapping the goal from Dave Hazeldene’s unchallenged cross: a free header for Ash Palfreyman, unmarked on the far post after 34 minutes.

Melton generated much of their play through penetrating passes from central midfield, ensuring Desford’s back four of Simon Goodman, Jimmy Costello, Aaron Dignum and Courtney Simons were kept busy.

The visitors generally only looked threatening on the break and from set pieces. Dan Portch swung three dangerous free kicks into the box, but no-one could convert. What few opportunities they did create from open play were snatched at, the most notable from Ryan Ogden at just three yards out.

For a few fleeting moments early in the second half Desford looked a little more comfortable, but Melton quickly regained the initiative and their strong efforts on goal reached double figures before the hour mark.

As well as several more fine stops from Webb, his best denying Hazeldene in a one-on-one, Melton were only inches shy of the target in wave after wave of assaults.

The hosts did have one heart-stopping moment deep in stoppage time, however, after Goodman had beaten two defenders, but onrushing ‘keeper Aron Watkin did enough to make him fire wide.